Spirits of the Earth

Acacius let out a soft sigh as he glanced about the nest of hatchling dragons and still unhatched eggs at his feet. This was wrong. This was disgustingly wrong. He was sent to dispatch of a dragon, which seemed no different from the usual. He was after all, a trained dragonslayer.

But it turned out this particular drake was feminine. And only fighting to protect her nest. He glanced over his shoulder at the massive, felled creature, blood pooling at his feet. It was easier whenin he waswas younger. Less hesitance. More kill or be killed situations. This was just an execution. The female drake barely put up what he'd consider a fight. It was a desperate attempt to protect her young.

And that was why it was wrong. This wasn't the scourge to a nearby village. This wasnt one of the monsters he was led to loathe when growing up and training as a dragonslayer.

No. This was a mother, merely trying to protect her children. A soft, cynical chuckle came from the knight clad in gold. The large spear resting on his shoulder, loosely balanced by his hand.

What would happen to these cubs now?

Luna pressed her hand to her chest and breathed deeply, fighting off the tears and pain and the sense of dread and hopelessness. She was fucked. Completely and utterly fucked. Why'd they send her off on her own? Not even Ixt was here. Probably snoozing in a pile of hay fat on sheep. Luna pressed the back of her hand to her face before she sucked in a breath and stood up, shirt ripped and bloody.

The metal armor was torn open and it remained against the tree while she shuffled away, frantic. A little dizzy from bloodloss. Lune pushed her head back, panting heavily through the pain.

It wasn't until she saw the dead body of the beast that did this to her that she finally paused. In an act of desperation she'd gone to find it so it could finish her off. Now it was dead. Luna choked back a sob and fell to her knees, hand pressed to the wound and letting her head fall forward in despair. Her long white hair had been stained red, her clothing was torn and ruined.

Finally, blearly, she looked up and there, in gold.

"Help..." Her hand reached out and she felt the curious nibble of a baby dragon at her finger tips, wincing when it turned into a curious taste from the baby. How hadn't she seen him before? Or her, she supposed. No doubt the wound would get infected, but... Just a little bit of help. "Please..." She whispered, slowly sinking down to the ground.

The warm sun of the noon made his armour shine brilliantly through the spots painted crimson from his fight with the maternal dragon earlier. Yet he wasn't hurt at all, an act of desperation was more than often very inaccurate.

In the aftermath of the battle, lost in thought, Acacius didn't hear the severely wounded human. It wasn't untill she croaked out her plea for help that his thoughts were interrupted. He turned to her and tied the spear to his back, jogging to close the small distance that was left between them.

He slapped the baby dragon that was found nibbling on her fingers. Hard enough toto stagger it to pull it away, but not tooto hard to actuallyget permamently hurt the critter. The whispered plea was heard clearly by Acacius and one arm snaked underneath her armpjt toto keep her from sinking to the floor. His other arm went toto the back of her knees, before slowly pulling her up in his arms. He knew moving her around was a bad idea, but it was an even worse idea to leave was like this. Acacius was prideful and righteous, he wouldn't leave a hurt soul to their own devices.

It was a relative short walk to his camp, which was safely tucked away inside a cave. Yet it took him longer with the hurt woman in his arms, making sure to be tender and bot make her wounds any worse than they were.

He laid her down on his bedroll and pulled off his helmet, putting it down next to the small, flakkering fire that had dimly lit the cave. It was sparked backk to life by sendignng a surge of electricity through one of the coals.

Acacius gripped the blood soaked shirt and ripped it to shreds, discarding the bloody cloths to the side. He leaned forward to examine her wounds, taking a clean cloth in hands. He grabbed his satchel and dipped the nuzzle of the flask against the cloth and started toto wipe away the blood around the wound for better view, making sure not to touch her wounds in the process.

There must have been a few moments where she had passed out because she didnt know where she was or who she was with. Just the dull pain across her chest, the cold air on her flesh. Skin white as snow was a stark contrast to the dark of her blood and Luna stared up at nothing before she reached a hand fo rest on the strangers arm.

"thank you," she breathed, eyes falling closed again.

then she frowned and looked at him, pain pulling her features tight. A frown on her forehead while her lips remained stoic. A failed effort to hide the pain. "Who are you?"

He made a soft sushing sound and gripped her hand with his. "Rest now, answer will come later," he advised. "This.. Will hurt," he warned, taking out a thread and needle, aswell as a small stick, which he put in Luna's mouth. "So you don't shatter your teeth."

At that, he pulled out a tincture and uncorked it, pouring alcohol over the wound. And without another word, he set about sewing the wounds shut, regardless of her pain. This was for her own good, after all.

Shatter?

Luna's anxiety rose and she took the stick between her teeth, blue eyes full of panic. White blonde hair clung to the cold sweat on her forehead. The scream was muffled but she stayed still, then she was quiet and still. Her little brain unable to handle the pain of being sewn together.

The dreams were odd and featured her new friend eating her chest.

Acacius felt the sweat drip down his forehead. By no means was he completely confident in his ability to patch up wounds. Most of his experience consisted of self applied treatment. And most of this treatment finished with a 'good enough'. But, this was another person.

He sat back after he had done what seemed like a monumental task, taking a deep breath and wiping away sweat from his brow. Only to streak blood across his forehead. He took the tincture again and once again, poured some over the wound, before he started to bandage it up.

He glanced at the girl again, leaning over to see whether she was awake or not.

Luna's eyes snapped open and she stared, confused, before she wanted to curl up and cry. Sure enough there were tears in her eyes and she moved a hand to her chest.  She wasnt sure if she was more worried about being topless - she wasnt even betrothed! Or the fact the man had blood on his head.

"I..." eye contact. Luna looked away quickly, remaining still despite how much she wanted to move." You saved me," she whispered, " it hurts a lot but... thank you." Then her eyes drifted closed again, though sleep did not claim her.

Acacius let out a soft breath as she spoke. It was a telltale sign she'd be fine. And her chest was now neatly bandaged up as well.

He shook his head. "Don't thank me, I did what was right," he answered. "Acacius, I'm Acacius, by the way."

Luna smiled.

"I am Luna," she said softly, lifting a hand to touch the strangers cheek, "Its nice to meet you." Though she squeezed her eyes shut and started to sit up, struggling on pain wearied limbs. "I have to go," she panted, "where's my armor." Then she frowned and looked around, her white rope of a brain curled behind her, "do you know how this happened?"

"Sadly we don't meet under better circumstances," Acacius answered. He scurried forward, putting a surprisingly tender hand on her shoulder. "Don't," he answered, softly trying to push her down again. "You need rest," he answered, pulling up a leather flask. "And drink," he offered, bringing it up against her lips.

The hand on her shoulder, rather than pushing her down, now circled around her back to support her.

Luna sighed, shivered and let her head fall forward.

This wasnt how she saw her day going.

Luna gave a weary glance to the stranger and she moved a hand to itch her face. Gratefully taking the drink, she sipped to wet her mouth and then licked her lips. "Wouldnt happen to have anything harder would you?" It was worth a try.

"Only water," he answered with a soft frown. "Or the alcohol I treated you with, if you decide you want to burn your throat out," he jested, slowly adjusting his own pose to sit more comfortably. "We should find you a healer. Or this will scar horrendously," he murmured softly, taking a deep breath.

Luna gave a tired wrinkle of her nose.

She did not want to burn out her throat.

A glance around and she looked a little helpless.

"It took me a while to get here," she said in a husky voice, "where do you suppose we go to find a healer?" Not that she minded a scar. She let her hand hover over her chest, wincing when the wound throbbed with her heartbeat. "Whats wrong with scars?"

"Be careful," Acacius hissed, before taking a deep breath. "Nothing is," he answered, shaking his head softly. "I just thought you might wanted to," he explained. "Either way, you should rest up here before anything else."

Luna gave him a weary sleepy look before she gave a rather violent shudder. "why are you up here?" She breathed, voice weak, clearly needed rest. This area was covered in dragons though, and while she couldnt quite prove herself... clearly this man was capable. "Are you a knight? Your armor isnt... uniform."

"I was hired to dispatch of a troublesome dragon," he answered, grimacing slightly at her shudder. "I'm sort of a knight. But the official title is Dragonslayer," he explained. And with a soft whince, he tried to let her lie down again, as gentle as he could.

"I didnt know we had those," she breathed out, wincing, teeth clenching. Eventually she managed to lay down again, a cold sweat set on her face again and she blow out the breath carefully. "Thanks," she sighed, eyes closing and she pressed her palm to his cheek. "I owe you, huh?" She gave a weary smile and did her best not to fall asleep, "Acacius," she started, "where are you from."

"Not sure who you mean with 'we'," he let out a soft chuckle. "I am just a mercenary," he offered with a wry smirk. "You owe me nothing."

"I was born in Serendipity. But now I just roam," he answered. "But rest, Luna, you need it. I'll guard you."

We?

Had she said we?

Oh. We. Adela. Luna opened her mouth to say that but all that came out was a sort of pained grunt. Her hand hovered over her chest for a moment before she let her eyes fall closed, reaching a hand out to grab some part of him - his wrist if she could reach it - for comfort. "Thank you," She breathed, eyes falling closed, "I'll be fine," her voice drained away, "I'll just... rest a bit."

"That's good," Acacius answered as he slowly wiped away a streak of hair from her face. He turned his wrist to softly grip the hand she tried to use to get a hold of him, sushing her softly.

Luna's dreams were awful.

But as soon as her eyes snapped open she gasped and sat up. Or tried to. A yelp of pain and she pressed a hand to her chest, short of breath. Luna looked around and pressed a hand to her face trembling.

"I have to go," she panted, moving carefully and trying to find her armor. Or clothing. "I need to get back to Ketra," a pained breath.

As soon as she shot up, Acacius scrambled towards her, having gotten rid off of the rest of his armour. He immediately put a hand on her shoulder, another one wrapping around her back to support her. As Luna spoke, he wanted toto tell her off and tell her to get more rest. But it seemed dire.

"I don't know what is so urgent," he started. "But you are severely wounded. I will not let you off alone. You have barely healed."

Luna looked at him confused for a moment. Frowning deeply.

"I'm a knight," She gasped out, leaning away from his hands and giving him a weary look. "I need to get back," A pleading look to the stranger. Acacius? Her hands went to his arms and she squeezed them tightly, "My dragon-" He'll be fine without her. Luna gasped and pressed a hand to her throat before another big breath followed by a gasp of pain, face contorted with pain.

"It's not that bad," She swallowed, "I'll be fine," Then she shook her head, sleepy and in pain, "It's just... My flesh is... Open."

"I am sure your commander will understand," he sushed softly, a worried frownof overtaking his face. "You're pushing yourself, Luna." He gave her a faint smile. Yet it was in some way reassuring as well. "I have sown it together-, you will be fine. You just need to rest."

One of his hands escaped her grip and slowly cupped the back of her neck. Acacius leaned down to rest his forehead against hers, while still supporting her, trying to measure her temperature.

Luna gasped softly, giving a hot little breath, eyes falling closed and another wince. There was a few moments where she tried to pull away from the stranger, but it only succeeded in pressing her nose to his along with her forehead. Eventually, she went lax and her head rolled back -or rolled as far as it could - and she reached to grab his bicep.

"I did rest," She panted, a flush on her cheeks - a bright pink to her pale skin, "I... I..." Her eyes fell closed again and she moaned, "Thank you. I think."

She did feel too warm to the touch. Granted, it was only to be expected with her wounds. Though if the fever remained for too long, it could be a telltale sign of an infection. He was lost in thought for a moment, her face still held against hers.

As she felt her hand grasp at his arm, she could more than clearly feel the outline and veins from rigorous training, he sat up, remembering he still had her face against his. "Sorry," he murmured, slowly laying her down again. "More," he answered. "You have a fever. I can make it more comfortable for you," he said as he grabbed his flask and a clean cloth. He poured water over it and folded it neatly, before putting it on her forehead to cool her off ever so slightly.

"I will prepare food. But rest, Luna. You are safe here."

"It's okay," Luna panted, giving a soft tired smile - it was only at the corner of her mouth but it was there. That counted right? "I liked it," She teased, finding that, in her slightly delirious state, she quite enjoyed the contact of his forehead to hers. He was cool feeling, and while he was way too close for her to actually look at his face, she found he had nice eyes.

"You have nice eyes," she breathed out, finally laying back down, hands resting at her sides. "They look kind," Not that she knew what she was talking about. She wasn't hungry but the cloth was nice and she reached slightly to brush it across her forehead. "Are you going to eat me?" she whined out slightly in a quiet tired voice.

Acacius gave her a warm chuckle in response, shuffling slightly to sit up. But not yet leaving her side. "Thank you," he replied to the compliment.

Though what kindness resides in the eyes of a cold blooded hunter? The question remained in the back of his mind. But what other career choices were there? He was under an oath. But Luna managed toto drag hip back to reality.

"Why would you think that?" He inquired with a soft chuckle.

"That you're going to eat me?" Her voice was soft and she forced her eyes open, looking at her... Knight in Shining Armour, she supposed. Luna was flushed and tired and she swallowed thickly, "You're alone. You hunt dragons. Maybe I look like a good meal."

"That would require the atrocious act of cannibalism," Acacius shook hisbhead with a soft scowl. "Rest assured. I have dried meat, dried fruits and stale bread. For drinking, I can offer you the finest stagnant water," he joked with a soft smirk.

Luna licked her lips and watched him speak, enchanted by his the way his mouth moved when the sounds came out. "Someone..." Luna winced, "Someone tried to cut off all my hair once as a good luck charm," She sighed and squeezed her eyes shut, turning her head so the cloth slid off to the ground, "Are you going to do that?" Another heavy breath, "Now that you aren't going to eat me."

Acacius shook his head. "I don't believe in luck," he assured with a soft smile. Before whincing as a sharp rock made it quite uncofmortable. So he shuffledwas around slightly. "If you're thirsty, just say so," he remarked after a short while.

Luna cleared her throat and shook her head softly. "Could I have some water please?" she ground out, looking at him briefly before closing her eyes again, "I feel like I swallowed dust."

Acacius nodded slowly, taking his flask. He pulled her up slowly again, holding the flask against her lips, before tilting it softly.

Luna gave a weak little grunt and drank deeply. Or as deeply as her weakened state let her. Mostly she just got her mouth wet and dried to get the taste of dust out of her mouth. A weary sigh and she let her head relax, eyes closed before she winced and lifted a hand to press to her chest before remembering - no, bad idea, it'd hurt. 

"I think I'll rest now," She whispered, bright eyes closed, dark smudges of purple under her eyes. If Luna could be anymore pale, she'd be transparent, no doubt,"Thank you, Acacius."

Acacius nodded slowly. "As much as you need," he answered with a soft smile. "And save your energy. Thank me later when you can walk again."

At that, he sat up slowly and headed on to prepare some of the rations for dinner.

Luna slept long and deep. Dreamless. Except for the jolt of pain when she tried to move in her sleep, for the most part she didn't move and when she finally opened her eyes it was dark and it felt like she'd rubbed sand in her eyes.

A creaky groan and Luna squeezed her eyes shut before giving a pained gasp and trying to sit up again with a pained gasp and laying down again. "I can't ... Not move," she moaned, letting her head fall bac, "I'm going to go crazy." A sigh and she let out a whimper of a breath, "Hello? Am I better yet? No horse? Can't throw me over your shoulder and take me to a healer?" Luna was frustrated. She couldn't just wait for her wounds to heal. That would take so long.

Well. She slept through dinner, he didn't trh to wake her for it. She needed rest, above all things, so Acacius let her sleep. He glanced up from his cold breakfast stew at her, swallowing whatever was left in his mouth. "I can. I guess you're at least safe to move, now," he answered as he moved closer. "But first. Are you strong enough to eat on your own?" He didn't mind feeding the woman. But he wanted to at least let her fend for herself as much as she could. It wasn't fun to be completely subjected toto another's care.

At least, he didn't like it.

"Regardless, I'll make some preparations before moving you. It'll take a day and a half to the nearest village, I reckon. So we'll have to camp." He shook his head with a soft chuckle. "Allows for me to check that wound of yours."

Could she?

"I'm not hungry," She stated simply, thirsty, sure, a little bit, but the shock of her body being wounded... No, Luna wasn't hungry. Probably should eat, yes. Not hungry though. Luna didn't try sitting up a second time, no, she rolled onto her side with a pained grunt, pushing her hands down so she was on her hands and knees, giving a groan of pain, her head falling forward in a curtain of white. "I just... Can't lay on my back anymore," She sighed before sitting back on her heels.

Finally she looked down at herself, naked torso except for the bandages. A weary glance to the man.

He'd seen her breasts. Luna blushed and wanted to cross her hands over her chest but... That hurt, so the movement was abortive and she just pressed her hands to her thighs. Everything hurt, sitting up hurt, but laying down was going to drive her crazy. So the hurt was worth it. "Don't let my father know you've seen me topless," She stated, perhaps a little delirious still, "He'll demand you marry me."

Acacius nodded slowly in response, putting the bowl down. "It's right here if you change your mind," he offered with a gentle smile. "And, the same for water," he said as he placed his waterskin down next to it. Acacius watched the developments with a frown, but he made no move to stop her. "Don't push yourself too much, Luna. You don't need to prove anything," he only stated.

He could only let out a hearty and warm laughter at her sudden remark. "And what makes you think I am unwed?" He asked, still chuckling softly. Then, a hint of melancholy crept into his voice. "No. Not anymore, I guess."

Luna's eyes flicked to him at his chuckle, confused.

What?

Unwed. Right. Right. Dad comment. A flush tinted her cheeks and she swallowed carefully, looking away after a moment, a little surprised and ashamed at herself for not keeping her mouth shut. Luna didn't move much. Now that she was upright, she knew it had been a bad idea and she should lay back down. Unfortunately though, that would require too much movement and she was still hurting.

"I didn't... I... I'm just saying words. I wouldn't marry you," Luna winced, "I mean, Papa's probably gonna sell me for a plot of land to some gross old guy who wants a little wife to give him weird looking babies." Again, a wince, it was in her head and out of her mouth before she could really think about it, "I didn't mean to make you sad. You're very kind and making you sad or uncomfortable is one of the last things I want to do." Lune cleared her throat, instantly followed by a groan of pain, hand moving like it could keep the pain away on her chest.

It couldn't, of course.

"Um... May I ask why? You're unwed. Or... Not anymore, I guess."

Acacius blinked and glanced looked up to her. Seeming like he missed her comment about the weird looking children. Or at least, deciding not to react to it. In truth, he had no idea how he could. But regardless, when she asked, he took a deep breath.

"I had a wife. Two children even," he started, before bringing his hand up, snapping his fingers. "And like that, they were reduced to ashes. By a dragon." He exhaled softly. "That's why I became a dragonslayer in the first place. To exact revenge." He pushed himself up with a soft grunt, armour clunking softly. "But now? I'm growing tired.. Weary." Acacius slowly went to pack his things, gathering some items and flasks laying around, stuffing them all in a backpack, along with the medical supplies.

That was probably the scariest finger snap she'd ever experience and Luna physically jumped, giving a pained moan (though quiet as she could) and looked at him and was just... Sad. Luna swallowed carefully, staring at him, opening her mouth to talk.

"I'm a dragon rider," She gasped out, looking down at her chest, "My only friend is a dragon. He wasn't assigned to come up here with the wild ones, so he's back in Ketra." Luna winced, moving a hand to her chest to ride out the strange throb of pain and she looked to Acacius before she painstakingly shuffled over to him on her knees, her long white hair bouncing against her breasts and hip. Wearily she grabbed the strangers hand and brought it to her face so she could press her forehead to his knuckles.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't know. I talk and then I ruin everything and please don't kill me for being friends with a dragon. They're not all bad. Some are wonderful beings. Some are terrible beasts but..." Luna lifted her head away and looked at him, tilting her head but ever so slowly, her eyes started to close and her eyes rolled up into the back of her head and she fell back in a dead faint.

Acacius shook his head, raising his hand to instead of his knuckle, press a soft hand against her forehead, his other resting on her shoulder to keep her up straight. "Don't worry, you couldn't know," he answered.

When she crumpled down, Acacius caught her and gently lowered her to the ground, taking a deep breath and putting her back on the bedroll again. Well, they could leave when she was back conscious again. And speak as well. He hoped Luna would now realize that she was weaker than she thought still.

If Luna was anything she was stubborn.

It wasnt long that she slept, flushed, a fever growing. Luna gasped softly as she woke, looking around confused. Right. Hurt. With a stranger. A weary glance to Acacius and she swallowed thickly. This sucked.

Luna took in a shaky breath and pressed her hand to her face - moving very carefully - while tears welled in her eyes. "I'm sorry," she whispered, trying to smile. Keep up moral. "I... I'm... A little out of my element." A huff and she gave Acacius a watery smile, "thank you. Im going to owe you a great debt."

Acacius glanced towards her with an arched eyebrow, before smiling softly and shaking his head. He chuckled softly and got to his feet, dusting off his legs as he stood, before stretching. "You're going to owe me nothing," he answered easily. "And I don't blame you, that's a pretty bad wound."

He made his way over, kneeling down next to her. "And we'll move out when you feel up to it, alright?"

Luna sighed and let her head drop down.

"I dont understand why you're being so helpful," she admitted in a soft tired voice. Taking a moment to reach out a hand and placing it in his arm, giving it a weak squeeze. "I do owe you. I repay my debts." Or she will now that she's had one.

"Anything. A place to stay. Payment," Luna let her head drop down, "I would have bled to death outside if it werent for you. I owe you my life."

Acacius nodded softly. "I just help those in need," he answered with a soft shrug, before resting his hand on hers. "Fine, when we get you home, or at least healed, I'll need somewhere to stay," he said with a soft chuckle. "For a short time, until I get a new assignment."

Luna slowly turned her hand around so their palms touched. It felt nice, to touch someone and she gave his hand a stroke with her thumb, impulsive and unable to stop herself. Sighing, Luna chewed on her hip and held Acacius's hand tightly. "That's hardly anything but... Of course. I'd be happy to help."

A moment of confusion, "what do you mean assignment? What is it that you do besides hunt dragons."

He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I don't hunt dragons without assignment," he explained. "I only hunt down the ones that cause problems.. Or will cause problems." He shook his head softly. "Besides pain, how're you feeling?" Acacius inquired. "Dizzy? Feverish?"

Luna closed her eyes.

"Besides pain? Lonely. Useless. Like I should have at least had sex once before I die." Luna blushed, realizing what she'd said. It seemed the pain from her gash didnt leave room for surface thoughts and everything just poured from her mouth.

"I feel warm and like we're on a boat," she finally answered his question, "I regret my earlier choice to move. That was stupid," she admitted, though she was already flushed from fever, "I... Can get up and fight through it thoigh."

Acacius frowned softly, before coughing. "I guess you're still a bit delirious," he said with a soft, yet awkward chuckle.

He looked down at Luna, rubbing the back of his neck. "You shouldn't move if it hurts too much," he answered with a faint smile. "Don't push yourself too hard."

"But i'm a burden," Luna whimpered, trying to move again but stopping when she liftrd her arm up. "I hate..." Luna lowered her head, eyes closed. A sigh. "I dont do well as a patient," she admitted, "dont know any magic then, to get me on ny feet?"

"You are," Acacius answered with a soft chuckle. "But, I don't mind. You need to heal." He shook his head, leaning over to rest his cool palm on her forehead. "I don't," he answered with a soft sigh. "Sorry. And you're still having a fever," Acacius murmured softly.

" Oh..." The confirmation that she was, indeed, a burden made her gut clench and Luna looked away, feeling... Awful. Still, she sighed and turned her head to his hand, enjoying the coolness. Luna sighed, eyes closed. "That feels nice," she murmured, "Thank you. "

Still , at least despite being a burden to him, he was kind to her and Luna reached a hand over and put it on his leg in thanks. Since that was all she could reach.

"Thank me when you can stand on your own without too much pain," Acacius answered with a soft chuckle, keeping his hand on her forehead.

He glanced down at the hand, shaking his head softly. He leaned back slightly to get a bit more comfortable. Then he waited. For her to fall asleep once again. The gods knew she needed her rest.

"Right," Luna sighed, moving her head to keep the cool hand on her forehead. Her eyes closed tight and she shivered, a heavy sigh and exauhstion caught her quickly. Once sleep had claimed her again, Luna's hand fell to the ground and her breathing was deep and even.

Acacius heard the deep andbreath steady breathing, a glance at her chest slowly rising and falling affirmed his thoughts. She'd be fine. With such rythmic and deep breathing, she might rest up properly now.

But, then again. Here he was. Waiting.

Well, he hadn't slept much either in the past days. So, he shuffled around that hus beck rested against the side of theher cave, hand still on Luna's head. And he closed his eyes. Even if it was just to rest those.

The hand helped.

Luna turned her face towards the cool hand and didnt dream. Slept deeply and she didnt know how long for. Of course, eventually, her eyes snapped open and she gave a startled gasp of surprise. Luna was tense, looking around before.

Right.

Acacius.

"Are you awake?" She whispered, voice soft. Luna swallowed carefully, mouth dry. She was ready to go now. Well, not really... But she was goinf crazy, stuck on her back. Weak. Useless. "Acacius?"

With a soft snort and a deep breath, Acacius sat up again, looking down at Luna. "Yes, I'm awake, I'm awka" he said as he shook his head, patting his cheek softly to rouse himself properly. "You alright?" He said, pulling his hand away to stretch slowly.

Luna sighed in relief.

The loss of his hand was alarming and she squeezed her hand into a fist before she groaned and nodded. "Yeah..." Swallowing thickly she sighed and moved over onto her side, wincing and groaning. but she had to move. They had to move. "I need to go," She sighed, "I have to leave. They'll think I'm dead if I don't get back soon."

Acacius frowned, sitting up to support her. Not making any kind of move to push her back down for more rest. Just supporting. He nodded slowly.

"Ofcourse," he answered, nodding slowly. "Whenever you're ready, we'll depart."

It was odd to say the least, but Luna simply accepted the help. He wanted her gone as much as she wanted to be gone, so she nodded simply and let her head fall forward.

"Thank you," It was soft and she moved to fix whatever clothing she had. The shirt she wore previous was ruined but at least it would keep her arms warm. "I might be able to go," Luna winced, eyes falling closed while she steeled herself. "I can go. Can you lead the way?"